Author Q&A: Beth Pattillo
Author: Trish Milburn
Original Publication Date in Love Notes: January 2003

Q. Tell us a little about your journey to publication.

A. I’ve been working toward publication for eight years, so I’m definitely evidence that persistence pays off. Princess Charming is my third manuscript; I’m not one of those wunderkids who sold her first effort. For me, the journey to publication has been more like getting an advanced degree. I’ve learned so much over the years and am now much better prepared to be a published author. The process has included lots of conferences, several critique groups and RWA chapters, loads of books on the craft of writing, participation in online romance writer lists, query letters to agents, pitching to editors at conferences — the list could go on forever.

I owe a lot to all the contest judges through the years who read my efforts and gave me feedback. Over time, I built a list of contest credits which helped me to land an agent. The agent helped me sell the book.

Q. What is the one aspect of craft that you’ve struggled with the most? How did you finally master it?

A. My biggest struggle has always been with ramping up the emotion so that the reader actually laughs and cries. I have to be very intentional, and I’m still prone to do too much “telling” and not enough “showing.” Fortunately, my critique partners have a very keen eye for this aspect of storytelling and keep me honest.

Q. What one thing would you change about the publishing industry if you could?

A. Response times! The waiting game can be so discouraging. I have learned to start on my next project while I’m waiting to hear from an agent or editor.

Q. Since receiving “The Call” what has changed for you? Has anything surprised you?

A. The process of becoming a published author has been more intimidating than I expected. There’s a lot of anxiety about how the book will do. Will it be well reviewed? Will buyers order it? Will the distribution be good?

It’s like going from being the top grade in middle school to a freshman in high school. I’ve moved up to the next level but as a debut author, I’m at the bottom of my newfound heap. <g> A few people treat me differently, which surprises me. Having a publisher buy your book is validation in the eyes of many people, but I’m still the same writer I was the day before I got “The Call.” Also, selling my book didn’t solve my little procrastination problem about getting down to work on my next book. Nor did it make me any thinner or wiser, more’s the pity.

Q. If you could give one piece of advice to unpublished authors, what would it be?

A. Write books because you love to write them, not because you want to get published. If you do that, your voice shines through and you write the stories you were meant to write, the stories no one but you can tell. Ironically enough, this will most likely lead to writing a book that an editor will snap right up and you will end up a published author.

Q. How did you keep yourself motivated when faced with rejections?

A. Triumphing over rejection requires setting boundaries for yourself. Define what kind of books you write and then stick to your plan. Always keep studying the craft of writing; each book should be stronger than the one before. Wallow properly when you experience the bitter sting of rejection, but set a time limit. Once your allotted pity party window has passed, get back to work. I used to recommend chocolate, but since I recently gave up sugar I’ve had to switch to other indulgences, i.e. bath bombs, new CDs and retreats with my critique group. And I like Susan Wiggs’ advice on this subject — it’s not a rejection. It’s An Invitation to Submit Elsewhere.

Beth Pattillo is MCRW’s newest published author. Princess Charming is a January 2003 release from Dorchester.

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